Gorillaz Frontman Streams Quirky New Songs From Congo

From: http://mashable.com/2011/08/30/drc-music-songs-congo/




Last month we told you about how Damon Albarn, the frontman for Gorillaz and Blur, packed up his music gear and a bunch of his producer friends to make a charity album in the Congo.

The project, called DRC Music, has released three songs and an album teaser video. The site has been providing constant video and audio updates including clips of Albarn working with local musicians and explaining the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Albarn and his team created the album in partnership with Oxfam. All proceeds from the album’s sale will go towards supporting Oxfam‘s work in the DRC.

One of the best parts of this project is the obvious care and respect the Western producers paid to local musicians and traditions. The three tracks below not only feature local musicians, but play on musical characteristics and patterns from the DRC. It’s not just a way to turn a buck, but also shine a spotlight on the rich musical history of the region.

Take a listen to the tracks below from the album, “Kinshasa One Two,” and the video above and let us know in the comments what you make of the DRC Music project.
Hallo (featuring Tout Puissant Mukalo and Nelly Liyemge) by DRC Music

Ah Congo (featuring Jupiter Bokondji and Bokatola System) by DRC Music
Lingala (featuring Bokatola System and Evala Litongo) by DRC Music
You can find more at DRC Music’s Soundcloud page.